Military invade villagers, orphans to mark Army Day

By Kingsley Chukwuka

The Nigerian Army 3 Division Rukuba Barracks near Jos, on Wednesday took healthcare to its host community at Irigwe Jebu Bassa where it gave out free medical services to indigent residents.

The free health care services were targeted to screen non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and kidney diseases.

The gesture was part of activities to mark the Army Day celebration, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3 Division Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Ali said.

The effort, which is to also foster civil military relationship, also witnessed the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association (NAOWA), 3 Division Chapter, extending show of love to Orphans and Women who are in Maternity wards in Plateau Hospital.

The health care services however also include screening of communicable diseases like HIV, Hepatitis B&C, Syphilis, Eye examinations and free reading glasses for over 100 persons.

Others are Dental procedures which will include tooth extraction, filling of cavities, scaling/polishing, Treatment of common medical conditions like malaria, respiratory tract infections, typhoid fever, peptic ulcers among others.

The show of love also includes counseling services and dispensing of free drugs, our correspondent reports.

Represented by the Chief of Staff Headquarters 3 Division Nigerian Army, Brig.Gen. Davide Kurmi, Gen Ali said the annual event is also aimed at showcasing the commitment of the Nigerian Army over the years, as a professional responsive force.

“The theme for this year’s Nigerian Army Day Celebration is ‘Repositioning the Nigerian Army in the Joint Operations Environment: A Panacea for Success in Addressing Contemporary Security Challenges”, the GOC said.

Our Correspondent noted that the Acting Commander, 3 Division Medical Services and Hospital, Col. IA Enwuchola supervised the medical outreach.